Lonely Boar

[Mg1]

Hi, 3 weeks ago we lost one of our boars. He was 4 1/2 and was one of a pair. The other boar is 1yr old and seems to be very lonely.
I’m in two minds what to do. We can get him neutered and then find him two baby sows to add with him or a baby boar.
I’m concerned about waiting for him to be neutered as we will have to wait 6 weeks before we can add the pair of sows. And he is very lonely. I’m scared the longer he is on his own then the longer he will not accept another.
But again I’m worried about adding a baby boar as I don’t want to get into a cycle of having a boar alone again when one dies.
What’s the best option for success?
It’s horrible seeing how lonely he is. We’ve left it 3 weeks now and we take him out daily to play and let him run around. But he’s so not himself and it’s sad seeing him like this. I want to see him running around and popcorning again.

 

[KathT]

I’m sorry you lost one of your boars and that his mate is missing him. If you don’t want to wait the 6 weeks then you could try a rescue for boar dating. Your boar would go to a rescue for a few days and chose a companion he liked, so you wouldn’t have the worry of whether they were compatible or not. Check the rescues in your area or slightly further afield using the Rescue Locator link at the top of the page.

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry you lost one of your piggies, sending hugs and welcome to the forum x
I agree, see if there is a rescue that could date your boar with another lonesome boar. Here is a link to boar related topics and at the bottom looking after a bereaved piggie

Behaviour, Bonding & Bereavement Guides

 

[weepweeps]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I’m so sorry you lost your piggy. I hope you can find a friend for his mate soon. As your remaining piggy is so young it would be fine to introduce a baby and they can both have a happy life together. Good luck.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, 3 weeks ago we lost one of our boars. He was 4 1/2 and was one of a pair. The other boar is 1yr old and seems to be very lonely.
I’m in two minds what to do. We can get him neutered and then find him two baby sows to add with him or a baby boar.
I’m concerned about waiting for him to be neutered as we will have to wait 6 weeks before we can add the pair of sows. And he is very lonely. I’m scared the longer he is on his own then the longer he will not accept another.
But again I’m worried about adding a baby boar as I don’t want to get into a cycle of having a boar alone again when one dies.
What’s the best option for success?
It’s horrible seeing how lonely he is. We’ve left it 3 weeks now and we take him out daily to play and let him run around. But he’s so not himself and it’s sad seeing him like this. I want to see him running around and popcorning again.

Hi and welcome

I am very sorry for your loss.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

See whether you can get into contact with East Anglian Guinea Pig Rescue on Norfolk/Suffolk border. They are your closest good welfare standard rescue that offers rescue dating - i.e. allowing your boy to have a say in who he is getting on with and wants to be with for long term happiness. Key to any happy piggy bond is mutual liking and character compatibility long before age and gender; this is not something you can reliably provide by choosing his new companionship. In addition, by going the extra mile (quite literally), you ensure that any new adoptee is also quarantined/vet cared and only put up for adoption when healthy; they will be properly sexed and guaranteed not pregnant - i.e. you get a lot of extra service and total peace of mind, and can neatly avoid all the usual pitfalls that await the unwary.
If it helps you, I have travelled much further for some of my adoptees both by car or by train, and so have some special adoptees to come here; they have all survived their experience just fine!

PS: While your boy is currently grieving and may not be happy on his own, as an adult or near adult, he is fully socialised and will accept a new companion he likes - of either gender. As long as he is eating and drinking, he will keep until you have lined up companionship; even if he won't be very happy. He is also too well socialised and completely the wrong age and gender for not wanting company anymore although as he is either just coming to end or just beyond teenage, matching him up can be on the lively side - again, rescue dating can help to work around that.
However, it is worth that you take your time, do your research and do it properly for a happy long run. What you and your boy lose now, you will get both back in a happy bond later on.

Here is some more in-depth practical information that you will find very helpful:
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Rescues (Adoption and Dating), Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs
Rescue Locator
Travelling with guinea pigs